Permanent vs. Semi-permanent vs. Temporary Hair Color – Discover Which One Is Best for You?

What is Permanent Hair Color?

Permanent hair color is specifically designed to deliver lasting results. This hair dye directly interacts with your hair structure and changes your natural hair color. When mixed with a developer, permanent hair color opens the hair cuticles to let the pigment enter inside (usually with the help of ammonia).

When inside, the tiny colorless molecules of permanent hair dye create a bond with hydrogen peroxide to start the chemical reaction known as the oxidation process. That’s when the real magic happens. These molecules cling to the hair structure to give you the desired color results. Permanent color doesn’t wash out over time; however, you would need to re-color your roots or give your hair a touch-up once the color fades or grows out.

Reasons to Choose Permanent Hair Color

Here are some benefits of using permanent color:

• Long-lasting color results (can last up to 32 washes)
• Available in numerous shades, including lighter shades like blonde, grey, or even bold shades like blue, red, and neon pink
• Excellent grey coverage

What is Semi-Permanent Hair Color?

Semi-permanent hair dye colors the surface of your hair.  This type of hair color typically doesn’t contain ammonia or hydrogen peroxide; hence, it doesn’t change the hair's integral structure. Semi-permanent hair color usually stays vibrant for 6 to 8 weeks (some can last for up to 28 washes), depending on how often you wash your hair.

Semi-permanent hair color is available in various color options, including brown. As it doesn’t contain bleach, you are limited to using the dark color option that doesn’t need lightening the natural pigment of your hair.

(Read our guide on no-bleach hair color options to transform your hair look without any damage)

Reasons to Choose Semi-permanent Hair Dye

The advantages of semi-permanent hair color are as follows:

• Lasts for up 6 – 8 washes.
• Delivers natural-looking color results.
• Free from bleach or harsh chemicals like ammonia
• Offers optimal grey coverage

(Read our guide on tips on how to make semi-permanent hair color long-lasting to lock in pigment for a bright hair look)

What is Temporary Hair Color?

Temporary hair color is a quick fix to your grey hair woes. It coats the external part of the hair shaft and gives instant color results without modifying hair structure. The effects of temporary hair color last until your next shampoo. Temporary color is made safe and is available in sprays, tubes, and hair toner.

Reasons to Choose Temporary Hair Color

Temporary color benefits you in the following ways:

• Instant color results
• Doesn’t contain bleach, hence safe
• Gentle leave-in formula
• Ideal for grey root coverage and helps space out colorings

Our Verdict

Ultimately, the choice is yours. Consider your hair goal and pick accordingly!

• Permanent color is perfect for those looking for significant and long-lasting transformations and excellent grey coverage, however, it requires commitment.
• Semi-permanent hair color is a great option to enhance natural hair look with slight changes, and less commitment.
• Temporary hair color is perfect for quick, commitment-free color or root touch-ups.

We hope this guide on permanent vs. semi-permanent vs. temporary hair color will help you find the ideal match for your hair. Pick a shade, select hair dye type, and jazz up your look.

Not sure what shade to choose for your next hair color appointment? Check out the L’Oréal Paris Hair Color Virtual Try-On tool to virtually experiment with various shades in real time, before investing in any one.